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Kauai County, HI · Laborer
Laborer prevailing wage in Kauai County, Hawaii
$71.66an hour, base wage + fringe benefits
$43.95 base wage + $27.71 fringe benefits · Changed in this bulletin
Kauai County uses the same laborer rates as 4 other counties. See all of them on one page.
On Hawaii public works in Kauai County, a laborer must be paid at least $71.66 an hour: a $43.95 base wage plus $27.71 in fringe benefits. DLIR's schedule raises it to $73.61 on August 30, 2027.
Wage Rate Schedule WRS 511 with addenda 512 and 513 (Oct 2, 2026); this rate, effective August 31, 2026. Hawaii doesn't lock rates at bid: increases apply to contracts already under way from the date DLIR publishes them (HRS 104-2(b)(3)). Checked against labor.hawaii.gov on October 25, 2026.
DLIR lists 10 laborer rates for Kauai County, from $55.82 to $97.13 an hour. See all of them.
Base wage and fringe benefits: $43.95 + $27.71
The base wage is the taxable hourly wage. DLIR prints the fringe benefits as one hourly figure, not itemized; it can go to health, pension, vacation and training plans, or be paid as cash where the state allows.
| Base wage (taxable) | $43.95 |
| Fringe benefits (one figure, not itemized) | $27.71 |
| Total hourly rate, as printed | $71.66 |
When does this rate change?
- Hawaii doesn't lock rates at bid. When DLIR raises a rate, the contractor must pay it during the contract, from the date of publication and not retroactively (HRS 104-2(b)(3); HAR 12-22-3(d),(f)).
- DLIR issues full schedules on or about February 15 and September 15, plus addenda as needed. This page uses WRS 511 (September 14, 2026) with addenda 512 (September 15) and 513 (October 2). The next full schedule is due on or about February 15, 2027 (DLIR Wage Rate Schedule).
Dated rates for this classification
DLIR prints more than one dated line for Laborer - Laborer: Laborer I. The one in force on October 25, 2026 leads this page; scheduled lines take effect on their date.
| Effective | Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 31, 2026 | $71.66 ($43.95 + $27.71) | In force |
| Aug 30, 2027 | $73.61 ($45.05 + $28.56) | Scheduled |
| Sep 4, 2028 | $75.56 ($46.15 + $29.41) | Scheduled |
Every laborer rate in Kauai County
As DLIR lists them. The highlighted row is the one this page leads with.
- Paving - Asphalt Paving (Jobsite): Asphalt Raker$97.13
- Paving - Asphalt Paving (Jobsite): Laborer, Hand Roller (before 9/1/07)$96.63
- Paving - Asphalt Paving (Jobsite): Laborer, Hand Roller (after 9/1/07)$94.36
- Laborer - Laborer: DrillerChanged in this bulletin$74.66
- Laborer - Laborer: Licensed PowdermanChanged in this bulletin$72.66
- Laborer - Laborer: High Scaler (Working Suspended)Changed in this bulletin$72.16
- Laborer - Laborer: Laborer IChanged in this bulletin$71.66
- Laborer - Laborer: Window Washer (Outside-Working from bosun's chair and/or cable-suspended scaffold or work platform)Changed in this bulletin$71.16
- Laborer - Laborer: Laborer IIChanged in this bulletin$69.06
- Laborer - Laborer: Light/Final Clean-up (Janitorial) LaborerChanged in this bulletin$55.82
| Classification | Base wage | Fringe benefits | Total rate | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laborer - Laborer: Laborer IChanged in this bulletin | $43.95 | $27.71 | $71.66 | Aug 31, 2026 |
| Laborer - Laborer: Laborer IIChanged in this bulletin | $41.35 | $27.71 | $69.06 | Aug 31, 2026 |
| Laborer - Laborer: Licensed PowdermanChanged in this bulletin | $44.95 | $27.71 | $72.66 | Aug 31, 2026 |
| Laborer - Laborer: DrillerChanged in this bulletin | $46.95 | $27.71 | $74.66 | Aug 31, 2026 |
| Laborer - Laborer: High Scaler (Working Suspended)Changed in this bulletin | $44.45 | $27.71 | $72.16 | Aug 31, 2026 |
| Laborer - Laborer: Window Washer (Outside-Working from bosun's chair and/or cable-suspended scaffold or work platform)Changed in this bulletin | $43.45 | $27.71 | $71.16 | Aug 31, 2026 |
| Laborer - Laborer: Light/Final Clean-up (Janitorial) LaborerChanged in this bulletin | $32.50 | $23.32 | $55.82 | Aug 31, 2026 |
| Paving - Asphalt Paving (Jobsite): Asphalt Raker | $59.86 | $37.27 | $97.13 | Sep 14, 2026 |
| Paving - Asphalt Paving (Jobsite): Laborer, Hand Roller (before 9/1/07) | $59.36 | $37.27 | $96.63 | Sep 14, 2026 |
| Paving - Asphalt Paving (Jobsite): Laborer, Hand Roller (after 9/1/07) | $57.09 | $37.27 | $94.36 | Sep 14, 2026 |
Davis-Bacon laborer rate in Kauai County
Federally funded or assisted construction here uses the U.S. Department of Labor's wage determinations. Hawaii's rates may not be lower than the Davis-Bacon rates for the same class on federal projects in the state (HRS 104-2(b)(2)).
We don't put a federal figure next to DLIR's here, because this page leads with a classification the federal determinations don't list one to one. The federal rows for this trade are below; match the classification to the work.
| Construction | Federal classification | Base wage | Total rate | WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building, Residential, Highway, Heavy | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS (PAVING): LABORER, HAND ROLLERENGI0003-044 | $57.18 | $92.04 | HI20260001 Mod 4 |
| Building, Residential, Highway, Heavy | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS (PAVING): CONCRETE SAWS AND/OR GRINDER (SELF-PROPELLED UNIT ON STREETS, HIGHWAYS, AIRPORTS AND CANALS)ENGI0003-044 | $58.64 | $93.50 | HI20260001 Mod 4 |
| Building, Residential, Highway, Heavy | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS (PAVING): ASPHALT RAKERENGI0003-044 | $57.68 | $92.54 | HI20260001 Mod 4 |
| Building, Residential, Highway, Heavy | SEE LABORERS: LABORER II IN FOOTERLABO0368-001 | $39.15 | $65.11 | HI20260001 Mod 4 |
| Building, Residential, Highway, Heavy | SEE LABORERS: LABORER I IN FOOTERLABO0368-001 | $41.75 | $67.71 | HI20260001 Mod 4 |
| Building, Residential, Highway, Heavy | LABORERS: WINDOW WASHER (BOSUN CHAIR)LABO0368-001 | $41.25 | $67.21 | HI20260001 Mod 4 |
| Building, Residential, Highway, Heavy | LABORERS: POWDERMANLABO0368-001 | $42.75 | $68.71 | HI20260001 Mod 4 |
| Building, Residential, Highway, Heavy | LABORERS: FINAL CLEAN UPLABO0368-001 | $31.40 | $52.77 | HI20260001 Mod 4 |
| Building, Residential, Highway, Heavy | LABORERS: DRILLERLABO0368-001 | $44.75 | $70.71 | HI20260001 Mod 4 |
| Building, Residential, Highway, Heavy | UNDERGROUND LABORER, GROUP 7: SHIFTER (SHAFT WORK & RAISER)LABO0368-003 | $46.40 | $72.31 | HI20260001 Mod 4 |
| Building, Residential, Highway, Heavy | UNDERGROUND LABORER, GROUP 6: SHIFTERLABO0368-003 | $45.95 | $71.86 | HI20260001 Mod 4 |
| Building, Residential, Highway, Heavy | UNDERGROUND LABORER, GROUP 3: CHUCKTENDERS AND CABLETENDERS; POWDERMAN (PRIME HOUSE); VIBRATORMAN, PAVEMENT BREAKERSLABO0368-003 | $44.35 | $70.26 | HI20260001 Mod 4 |
| Building, Residential, Highway, Heavy | UNDERGROUND LABORER, GROUP 2: SWAMPER; BRAKEMAN; BULL GANG-MUCKERS, TRACKMEN; DUMPMEN (ANY METHOD); CONCRETE CREW (INCLUDES RODDING AND SPREADING); GROUT CREW; REBOUNDMENLABO0368-003 | $43.85 | $69.76 | HI20260001 Mod 4 |
| Building, Residential, Highway, Heavy | UNDERGROUND LABORER, GROUP 1: WATCHMEN; CHANGE HOUSE ATTENDANTLABO0368-003 | $42.35 | $68.26 | HI20260001 Mod 4 |
Davis-Bacon rates from SAM.gov, read October 25, 2026. Our federal totals are base plus fringe; DOL prints no total. Hawaii Davis-Bacon changes
How Kauai County compares
The main laborer rate in every county that has one, and how the pay splits here and nearby. All bars use the same scale.
Every county in Hawaii
Wage and fringe benefits, nearby
- Kauai Countybase $43.95$71.66
- City and County of Honolulubase $43.95$71.66
- Kalawao Countybase $43.95$71.66
- Maui Countybase $43.95$71.66
Laborer rates in nearby counties
Current DLIR rates. DLIR sets one statewide rate per class, "paid to the greatest number of those employed in the State" (HRS 104-2(b)(1)).
DLIR's laborer rates for Kauai County are the same as in 4 other counties: Hawaii, Honolulu, Kalawao, Maui.
| County | Classification | Base wage | Total rate | vs Kauai County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kauai County | Laborer - Laborer: Laborer I | $43.95 | $71.66 | |
| City and County of Honolulu | Laborer - Laborer: Laborer I | $43.95 | $71.66 | same |
| Kalawao County | Laborer - Laborer: Laborer I | $43.95 | $71.66 | same |
| Maui County | Laborer - Laborer: Laborer I | $43.95 | $71.66 | same |
| Hawaii County | Laborer - Laborer: Laborer I | $43.95 | $71.66 | same |
Notes on this rate
DLIR's notes, in DLIR's words.
- 1 Carpenter; Drywall & Acoustical Worker and Lather; Laborer (excluding High Scaler, Window Washer): $0.50 per hour shall be added to the regular straight-time rate for height pay for each hour while working from a bosun's chair and/or from a cable-suspended scaffold or work platform which is free swinging (not attached to building) for each hour worked on said rig.
- 13 Overtime/Holiday must be paid at one and one-half times the basic hourly rate, plus the hourly cost of required fringe, including legal holidays of the State (https://dhrd.hawaii.gov/state-observed-holidays/), with the following exceptions: A. Two times the basic hourly rate, plus the hourly cost of required fringe. Boilermaker: Sunday, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Kamehameha Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Diver: Sunday, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Kamehameha Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Dredging – Clamshell and Hydraulic Suction: Sunday, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Kamehameha Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Electrician (Inside, Outside): Sunday, New Year’s Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Kamehameha Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Elevator Constructor: Saturday, Sunday, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Equipment Operator: Sunday, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Kamehameha Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Floor Layer (Carpet, Linoleum & Soft Tile): Labor Day. Glazier: Sunday. Helicopter Work: Sunday, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Kamehameha Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Iron Worker: Sunday, New Year’s Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Kamehameha Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Paving: Sunday, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Kamehameha Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Plumber: Sunday, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Kamehameha Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Sheet Metal Worker: Sunday, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Kamehameha Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Telecommunication / Teledata: Sunday, New Year’s Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. B. Three times the basic hourly wage, plus the hourly cost of required fringe on Labor Day. Carpenter (Includes all classifications in the Carpenters Master Agreement) Cement Finisher Chain Link Fence Erector Drywall & Acoustical Worker and Lather Heat and Frost Insulator Laborer Mason (Bricklayer) Plasterer Tile, Marble and Terrazzo Worker
More from DLIR on this rate
- DLIR Wage Rate Schedule, page 3
- DLIR's Wage Rate Schedule
- This schedule lists journeyworker rates. DLIR's separate Apprentice Schedule applies only to apprentices individually registered in a DLIR-approved program (HAR 12-22-6).
Are you being paid this rate?
Add your basic hourly rate to what your employer pays into health, pension and other plans for you, and compare it with the total. Your employer must pay weekly, post the rates on site and give you a copy at hire (HRS 104-2(d)). Wage Standards Division, Oahu: (808) 586-8777.
Source
Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR), Wage Rate Schedule HI-WRS511-72, issued September 14, 2026, effective August 31, 2026, page 3: labor.hawaii.gov/rs/files/2026/09/WRS511.pdf
We read every row of WRS 511, 512 and 513 and assemble the pages in force, then check every number with a second, separate PDF reader. Basic plus fringe equals DLIR's printed total on all rows. How we check · Download Kauai County as CSV · Report an error